The Best Private Schools in Milan, Michigan
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Milan. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Greenhills School
Independent
Greenhills School is an elite independent college preparatory school located in nearby Ann Arbor that serves students from Milan and surrounding areas. Recognized as one of Michigan's top private schools, Greenhills offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes, exceptional faculty, and comprehensive college counseling. The school features state-of-the-art facilities, competitive athletic programs, extensive arts offerings, and a diverse range of extracurricular activities. With a focus on critical thinking and character development, Greenhills consistently produces graduates who attend top-tier universities.
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St. Mary Catholic School
Catholic Schools of Milan
St. Mary Catholic School is a highly-regarded parochial school serving Milan and surrounding communities with a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education. The school emphasizes strong academic fundamentals within a faith-based environment, featuring small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a family-oriented community. Programs include modern STEM education, religious instruction, music and arts, and competitive sports. The school maintains excellent parent satisfaction with its nurturing environment and strong academic preparation for high school.
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Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor
Waldorf Education
The Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor provides a distinctive Waldorf education that serves families from Milan and the broader southeastern Michigan region. This independent school offers education from early childhood through high school with a developmental approach that integrates academics, arts, and practical skills. The curriculum emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and social responsibility while maintaining strong academic standards. The school features beautiful campus facilities, dedicated faculty trained in Waldorf methodology, and a supportive community known for its inclusive environment and holistic approach to child development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Milan, Michigan
What are the main private school options available for families living in Milan, Michigan, and are they located within the city itself?
While the city of Milan has a limited number of private schools within its immediate boundaries, families commonly look to nearby institutions. The most prominent local option is St. Mary Catholic School (Pre-K through 8th grade), located in Milan itself. For secondary education, many Milan families consider schools in neighboring Ann Arbor, such as Greenhills School (6-12) and the Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor (Pre-K through 8), both approximately a 20-25 minute commute. This regional approach is typical for Milan residents seeking diverse private education options.
How does tuition at private schools serving Milan, MI, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for private schools in the Milan area varies significantly. St. Mary Catholic School, as a parish-supported school, often has lower tuition, typically ranging from $4,000 to $6,000 annually for parishioners. In contrast, independent schools like Greenhills School have tuition that can exceed $30,000 per year, aligning with top-tier Michigan private schools. Most schools, including those in the Ann Arbor area that serve Milan families, offer robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need. Michigan also offers the "Student Opportunity Scholarship" tax credit program, which can provide donors with tax credits for contributing to scholarship funds for private school students.
What unique or specialized academic programs are offered by private schools accessible to Milan residents?
The private schools accessible to Milan families offer distinct educational philosophies and specializations. Greenhills School is renowned for its rigorous college-preparatory curriculum and extensive advanced placement offerings. The Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor provides a Waldorf education, emphasizing arts-integrated learning, developmental stages, and limited technology use in early grades. St. Mary Catholic School offers a faith-based curriculum with sacramental preparation. This variety allows Milan parents to choose between progressive, classical, and faith-based models within a reasonable commuting distance.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Milan, Michigan area, and when should applications be submitted?
Enrollment timelines for the Milan-area schools generally begin in the fall for the following academic year. For competitive schools like Greenhills School, the application deadline is often in early January, with decisions released in March. St. Mary Catholic School in Milan may have rolling admissions but encourages applications by early spring for priority placement. A key local consideration is that many families apply to multiple schools in Washtenaw County, so starting visits and inquiries in the September-November period is highly recommended. Most schools require student assessments, parent interviews, and records from previous schools.
For a family living in Milan, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school option?
The Milan Area Schools (MAS) district is a well-regarded public system, so the decision often hinges on specific educational goals and values. Key considerations include: MAS offers a no-tuition option with strong extracurriculars, while private schools offer smaller class sizes and specialized curricula. Commuting is a major factor—private options like Greenhills require a daily drive to Ann Arbor, whereas MAS provides neighborhood busing. For faith-based education, St. Mary is the direct local private choice. Many Milan families value the community cohesion of the public schools but may seek private alternatives for specific learning environments, such as Waldorf at Rudolf Steiner or intense college prep at Greenhills.